THE North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is driving forward the leadership agenda in the region after signing a partnership to take its flagship qualification to a wider audience.

NECC's training division created the foundation degree in leadership and management earlier this year, which is awarded by the University of Teesside and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.

NECC has become an associate partner in the North-East's Centre of Vocational Excellence in Business and Management, which opens its foundation degree qualification to all students.